I invite you to join me as a cosponsor of the “Equal Rights and Access for the Women of South Sudan Act,” (H.R. 48), which promotes the human rights of women in South Sudan as the country transitions to a long-term government structure.

After years of civil war, South Sudan seceded from Sudan through a referendum in 2011. Despite the success of the South Sudanese government in ending years of civil unrest and violence, women in South Sudan continue to face brutal violations of their human
rights. A lack of infrastructure as well as gender inequality has the potential to regress much of the progress that has been made in South Sudan. Such a lack of human development factors only furthers the marginalization of women in South Sudan.

Further, the conflict has also begun to compromise the food supply in South Sudan. The danger stemming from the conflict has led some traders to suspend their market presence; as a result, the price of some food commodities has risen approximately 30% in
high-conflict regions. The limited healthcare and inadequate food supply exacerbates the adverse effects of the conflict on women.

The “Equal Rights and Access for the Women of South Sudan Act” seeks to support the human rights of women in South Sudan. Modeled after the “Access for Afghan Women Act of 2003” (H.R. 1482,), which was incorporated in theMillennium Challenge Account, Peace Corps Expansion, and Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2003passed by the House, 382-42, during the 108th Congress, the bill promotes women’s rights in South Sudan by supporting the continuation and strengthening of the rights of women as The Republic of South Sudan transitions to a long-term government
structure, and encourages the appointment of women to high level positions within government.

I invite you to join me in sponsoring the “Equal Rights and Access for the Women of South Sudan Act,” to support the rights of women in South Sudan to fully participate fully in the democratic process and the efforts of South Sudan to become a
more equitable society that respects, supports, and endorses the rights of women.

A copy of the bill is linked
here, and a summary of the legislation is reprinted below. If you have any questions, or wish to cosponsor, please contact Gregory Berry at Gregory.Berry@mail.house.gov, or by phone at (202) 225-3816.